ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Subjective pain intensity can be measured using instruments like the Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R), Verbal Rating Scale (VRS), Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). However, information on physiotherapists' and patients' knowledge and preference for these tools is scarce. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the knowledge and preference of physiotherapists and participants with musculoskeletal pain (MP) regarding the pain intensity measurement scales. METHODS: This cross-sectional study consisted of physiotherapists and participants with MP. Physiotherapists were recruited via social media for an online open survey, gathering sociodemographic, professional data, and their knowledge and preferences for pain intensity scales. Participants over 18 with MP, participated in interviews focusing on their familiarity and preferences for pain intensity scales. Data was analyzed descriptively, and Chi-squared test evaluated scale preferences. RESULTS: We included 352 physiotherapists (mean experience = 10.5 years) and 94 participants with MP. Of the physiotherapists, 94.3% were familiar with pain scales, but 30.4% struggled to differentiate them. The NPRS was the most used (56.3%) and preferred scale (52.4%). Among participants with MP, unfamiliarity was noted with all scales. After instruction, 46% preferred FPS-R, with preference varying by income and education levels (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We found a knowledge gap among physiotherapists in identifying pain intensity scales, with a preference for the NPRS among those familiar with the scales. Participants with MP had limited familiarity with these scales. After instructions, these participants preferred the FPS-R, particularly those with lower income and education levels.
Subject(s)
Musculoskeletal Pain , Pain Measurement , Physical Therapists , Humans , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Male , Musculoskeletal Pain/psychology , Musculoskeletal Pain/therapy , Physical Therapists/psychology , Adult , Middle Aged , Surveys and Questionnaires , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeABSTRACT
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Educational interventions delivered over the Internet have the potential to facilitate access to precise information for people with pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the opinion of health care professionals and the perception of pain comprehension and the behavior modification of patients with musculoskeletal pain related to the on-line resource "Caminho da Recuperação" (Path of Recovery). METHODS: Health care professionals and patients with musculoskeletal pain were selected through the Internet. The professionals judged the quality of the instrument's content considering the concepts of pain education based on neuroscience using a Likert scale. People with pain used an 11-point scale (the higher the value, the greater the perception) to evaluate how the on-line resource contributed to change. Data was presented through descriptive analysis. RESULTS: The samples were composed of 81 health care professionals and 170 individuals with pain. In the group composed of people with musculoskeletal pain, the perception of the pain comprehension presented the highest mean value (6.7 / 10) and the return to physical activity the lowest mean value (5.2 / 10). CONCLUSION: The on-line resource was rated as excellent by health care professionals in all items. People with pain have noticed a greater shift towards comprehending pain, behavior and negative thoughts. The lowest perceptions occurred in terms of return to daily activity, exercises and improving relationships.
RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: As intervenções educativas via Internet apresentam potencial para facilitar o acesso a informações adequadas para as pessoas com dor. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a opinião de profissionais de saúde e a percepção da compreensão da dor e a modificação de comportamento de pacientes com dor musculoesquelética relacionadas ao instrumento on-line Caminho da Recuperação. MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo profissionais de saúde e pacientes com dor musculoesquelética selecionados pela Internet. Os profissionais julgaram a qualidade do conteúdo do instrumento considerando os conceitos da educação em dor com base em neurociência usando uma escala Likert. As pessoas com dor utilizaram uma escala de 11 pontos (quanto maior o valor, maior a percepção) para avaliar o quanto o instrumento contribuiu para mudança. Os dados foram apresentados por meio da análise descritiva. RESULTADOS: Participaram 81 profissionais de saúde e 170 pessoas com dor. Para as pessoas com dor musculoesquelética a percepção do entendimento sobre a dor apresentou o maior valor médio (6,7/10) e o retorno para a atividade física o menor valor médio (5,2/10). CONCLUSÃO: O instrumento foi avaliado como excelente por profissionais de saúde em todos os itens. As pessoas com dor perceberam maior mudança para o entendimento da dor, o comportamento e os pensamentos negativos. As menores percepções ocorreram para retorno à atividade diária, aos exercícios e melhora dos relacionamentos.